Australia’s coastal councils are calling on the incoming Federal Government to establish a national response to coastal climate risks, including rising sea levels, more severe extreme weather events and widespread coastal erosion.

Sharon Cadwallader, Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association and Mayor of Ballina Shire Council, said the scale of dealing with coastal hazards along Australia’s vast coastline requires a national approach, national leadership and national funding.

“We are calling on the Australian, State and Territory Governments to work with local government to develop a coordinated national response to coastal climate risk, recognising that 50% of Australians live within 7kms of the coast,” Sharon Cadwallader said.

“Coastal councils are at the forefront of dealing with rising sea levels, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and widespread coastal erosion, but they are restricted by a lack of resources and coordination at a national level.

“Given that Australia’s vast coastline stretches for around 33,000kms, it is beyond the capacity of local councils to deal with these risks.”

Sharon Cadwallader said what is needed is for the Australian Government, working with the States and Territories, to develop a National Coastal Adaptation Fund to be administered at a national level.

“Coastal councils are ready and keen to work collaboratively with the Australian, State and Territory Governments to respond to coastal risks,” she said.